Legal assistance helps Airmen manage stress

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Earlier this year, Air Force officials introduced a year-long campaign that highlights monthly initiatives to help Airmen and their families manage stress. The initiative for the month of September is "legal assistance."

"Legal assistance is an incredibly valuable resource available to all Airmen and their families," said Brig. Gen. Richard C. Harding, commander of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. "When you have legal problems, it wears on your mind. You may not understand the laws or what rights you have. Consulting with an attorney allows you to clear your mind and focus on your assigned mission."

Throughout their careers, Airmen may encounter situations where they need legal assistance. From completing powers of attorney to reviewing legal documents, the Air Force legal assistance program is there to help.

"The Air Force legal assistance program is designed to give Airmen and their family members peace of mind," said Capt. Trevor Orsinger, a judge advocate general legal assistance attorney with the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. "At every base, there (are) trained, licensed attorneys who can assist Airmen with any given legal issue. If we can't help, we can certainly point them in the right direction."

While many Airmen are familiar with more commonly-used services such as powers of attorney and will preparation, many are not aware of the variety of services at their disposal at all times.

"We are not only lawyers, we are counselors at law," said Captain Orsinger. "We provide consultation services, and we advise members of their rights and obligations in various legal matters. We can also help clear up any legal misconceptions they may have."

The legal office staff offers consultation services in family law matters such as divorce, child custody and support, adoption and more. They also can assist members with financial issues ranging from bankruptcy and consumer fraud to tax assistance and identity theft.

"The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is also a little-known tool available to Airmen," said the captain. "It's designed to protect servicemembers from certain legal actions while they're serving on active duty."

The primary purpose of the SCRA is to protect Airmen who have debts or legal obligations they acquired before entering active duty, said General Harding. It provides protection in civil court and administrative actions, and for issues involving taxation, house and apartment leases, car leases, interest rates and insurance.

For Airmen preparing to deploy, the legal office is a necessary stop before they depart.

"Although none of us expects to pay the ultimate cost [when we deploy], history has shown that some of us will," said General Harding. "Every Airman should have a will, because we have to protect our families and ensure our affairs are in order before we go. You should also consider having a power of attorney, so that someone you trust can handle matters in your absence. These services are free for Airmen, and the piece of mind gained is invaluable."

In any legal matter, it is important that Airmen seek legal assistance before the issue becomes a serious problem, General Harding said.

"There's a saying that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,'" he said. "The same goes for legal assistance. Airmen should always seek legal assistance before signing any contractual document, because once you sign, you're obligated to the terms of that contract. Before Airmen take any action they believe may not be in their best interest or where a legal issue is involved, they need to consult an attorney."

While some issues may require referral to off-base legal services, the base legal office should always be an Airman's first stop, said General Harding.

"Part of the legal assistance program is to determine whether or not Airmen should seek civilian counsel," he said. "The average rate for a civilian attorney is $200 per hour. A military attorney will sit down with the Airman and discuss the matter at hand, and it's free, unbiased and confidential advice. If necessary, the legal assistance attorney can help the Airman retain a civilian attorney, but many issues can be resolved through a military attorney as part of the Airman's military benefits."

For more information about legal services, contact a local base legal office. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page